Homage To The Hog
The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company has been around for over 100 years. It began with a singular bike being built in a shed back in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to become one of the most well-known motorcycle companies of all time.
The company has a long history in the casual, racing, and even military sectors, even breaking out into the fashion and film scenes throughout the decades. The trademark black and orange has become synonymous with speed, safety, and a tradition of expertly crafted vehicles.
To learn more about this classic company, read on.
1. Davidson, Davidson, and Davidson
Before William Harley and Arthur Davidson began working on their ‘motor-bicycle’ prototypes together in 1901, it had only been Arthur and his brothers, Walter and William, working on the project. Harley joined, founding the company in 1903.
Luke Grant, Editor on Wikimedia
2. HQ Hasn’t Moved
Harley and Davidson built their first factory in 1906 on what was originally Chestnut Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While the street name has changed to Juneau Avenue, the original factory still stands as HD’s corporate headquarters today.
3. Post-Secondary Adventures
Even after 4 years in business, William Harley still decided to attend post-secondary. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1907 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Harley-Davidson Archives on Wikimedia
4. World War I
Harley-Davidson motorcycles had been used in military operations before the First World War, most notably in the Mexican Expedition of 1916. However, WWI was the first instance of military issue motorbikes for the company. The United States government purchased over 20,000 motorcycles to help with scouting and protection.
Webster & Stevens on Wikimedia
5. Same Configs
The Harley-Davidson engine configuration has remained the same since 1909. Featuring a V-twin engine, which offered more power than that of single-engine models, the company decided to maintain this engine style to this very day.
6. Racing Records
Otto Walker, a board track racer of the early 20th century, was one of the company’s first factory riders. His loyalty to this up-and-coming company won him the 1921 Fresno Speedway race and set a groundbreaking speed record. While it might not seem like much today, Walker won this race by reaching an average speed of 107 mph, the first motorcycle to do so.
Nagatoshi Shimamura on Unsplash
7. Grand Prix Race Wins
The 1970s were an excellent time for Harley-Davidson, as its motorcycles won three back-to-back Grand Prix races between 1974 and 1976. The rider was Italian racer Walter Villa, who was chosen by HD after the death of racer Renzo Pasolini.
8. Countries
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available in almost 100 countries today, but have a primary market in North America. Most of these countries were established earlier; however, with the motorcycles becoming available in 67 countries by 1920.
9. Fan Club
The first Harley-Davidson fan club was founded back in 1928. Surprisingly, this fan club wasn’t in the United States, but in the Czech Republic. The Harley Club Prague is still a thriving fanbase today.
10. The Beginning Of The ‘HOG.’’
‘HOG’ is often an acronym that refers to the ‘Harley Owners Group,’ but their name actually comes from a real pig. Johnnie Duroc Weishaar, a six-month-old piglet, became the company’s racing mascot in 1920 during a 100-mile road race in Marion, Indiana.
Christopher Carson on Unsplash
11. World War II
Harley-Davidson was only 1 of 2 motorcycle manufacturers that survived the Great Depression, the other being the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The company once again supported the US Military, producing around 90,000 motorcycles. They were awarded two Army-Navy “E” Awards in 1943 and 1945.
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12. Other Awards
Outside of its military accolades, Harley-Davidson has been a prized pig within the motorcycle industry, if you’ll excuse the pun. Many of the company's dealerships have been recognized within the industry, being awarded the Platinum Bar & Shield Circle of Distinction in 2019.
13. Top Sellers
Throughout history, the most popular Harley-Davidson model has been the Electra Glide, which was released in 1965 but was sadly discontinued in 2022. Other popular models include the Pan-Ameria, the Dyna Wide Glide, the Road King, and the Sportster Iron 883.
14. Fashion
We’re not talking about the comfortable leathers often worn by motorcyclists, but a rise in the Harley-Davidson logo as a fashion staple. The 2010s saw a rise in streetwear, with many young folks adopting HD shirts, tanks, and jackets into their wardrobe.
15. Film
Fashion wasn’t the only sector the company invested in. For decades, Harley-Davidsons have been showcased in movies dating back to the silent era. The first movie to show off one of these bikes was the 1919 film The Scarecrow, but they have also been used in Pulp Fiction, The Wild One, Ghost Rider, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
16. Don’t Mess With Perfection
Harley-Davidson has only designed a total of nine V-twin engines since its inception. They’re known as Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, Twin Cam, Revolution, Milwaukee Eight, and Revolution Max. These names often refer to the valve covers or the cylinder head designs, as the engine structure pretty much stayed the same.
17. Cost
A new Harley-Davidson motorcycle can cost you anywhere from $10,000 USD to well over $100,000. The cheapest bike on the market currently is the Nightster, which features a 6-speed transmission, 90 horsepower, and a 3.1-gallon fuel tank.
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18. Museum
Yes, you can learn all about the history of Harley-Davidson in its home state of Wisconsin. The Harley-Davidson Museum opened in July 2008 and features permanent and temporary exhibits, an event space, ga ift shop, and a bar and restaurant. The museum receives 350,000 visitors annually.
19. Total Stores
As it currently stands, there are over 1,400 Harley-Davidson stores around the world. The United States has the most, with California having the most locations in the entire country. Japan, Canada, Germany, and Australia follow, with around 100, 75, 70, and 45, respectively.
20. Total Sold
As of 2024, approximately 150,000 bikes were sold around the world, with the company making a total revenue of $5.187 billion during the same year.
